Better English: Handle Everyday Situations With Confidence

Description:
Are you learning or improving your English? Do you need to improve your communication skills? This highly practical book starts with the premise that the only way to improve effective spoken English is to start practising it in real-life situations. The Better English technique means that right from the start students are able to put their knowledge to use. Topics include: everyday phrases, how to ask for help and information, how to book holidays and use public transport, visiting the doctor and/or hospital, how to deal with the bank, coping with the telephone and how to ask for help in emergencies. Key skills students will find it the ideal companion to work through the speaking and listening component of their course. This book explains: how to speak about yourself; social English; getting about and shopping; doctors and schools; getting a job; telephone's and emergencies

Table of Contents:
* Chapter One Talking about yourself Talk about yourself Talk about your family Talk about your job Talk about your hobbies * Chapter Two Social English Making introductions Saying goodbye Talking about the weather Asking for help or information * Chapter Three Getting About Asking for directions Giving directions Using public transport Booking a holiday * Chapter Four Shopping Asking for help Buying clothes and shoes Returning goods Making a complaint * Chapter Five Going to the doctor's Making an appointment Saying what is wrong Understanding the doctor's instructions Asking questions * Chapter Six At School Registering your child for school Telling the teacher about your child Asking the teacher for information Making the most of parents' evenings Helping you to learn * Chapter Seven Finding Work Registering at a Job Centre Phoning an employer about a job Improving your job interview skills Asking questions at an interview * Chapter Eight At the bank and post office Sending parcels and letters Asking for official forms Opening a bank or post office account Making deposits, withdrawals and transfers * Chapter Nine Using the telephone Asking for the person you need Leaving a message on an answering machine Ordering goods by phone Dealing with wrong numbers and nuisance calls * Chapter Ten Emergencies Making a 999 call Describing an emergency Asking a stranger for help Going to hospital in an emergency * Chapter Eleven Understanding Regional Speech Regional accents Native languages * Chapter Twelve Metaphor in spoken English Talking about people's personalities Talking about work relationships Talking about personal relationships Appendices, numbers and dates Further reading Useful addresses Websites

Author Biography:
Dorothy Massey BA(Eng) DipEd CertTESLA graduated from the University of Stirling. She teaches English and ESOL at Darlington College, and is a City & Guilds assessor.